Ilfracombe to Croyde Bay

 

Jagged rocks and thunderous waves, a long beach for weekend surfers, a lighthouse and glimpses of seals, a windy walk around Baggy Point with a vertiginous drop to the surf, views of Lundy Island. 

 

Felsen wie Zähne und donnernde Wellen, ein Leuchtturm und schwimmende Robben, ein langer Sandstrand für die Surferszene, eine erfrischende Umrundung des Vorsprungs Baggy Point mit schwindelerregenden Augenblicken, die Insel Lundy in der Ferne. 

The route, day 31

Climbing and descending again and again along the rocky coast from Ilfracombe to Woolacombe, then a flat sandy beach, up and around Baggy Point, over sand again to the south end of Croyde Bay. 15 miles/24 km and 758 metres/2,487 ft ascent

 

Immer wieder hinauf und hinunter an der felsigen Küste von Ilfracombe to Woolacombe, dort am flachen Sandstrand entlang, wieder hinauf um Baggy Point zu umrunden, schließlich wieder über Sand bis zum Süden der Bucht in Croyde. 24 km, 758 Höhenmeter. 

West from Ilfracombe

Lee Beach

Sandy Cove

Bennett's Mouth

Bull's Point Lighthouse, Lundy Island on the horizon

Up and Down

The coast path west of Ilfracombe isn't an easy walk. Climbs of 758 metres  set the heart pumping, and descents of 758 metres test the knees.

Pulling up out of Ilfracombe

Walkers between Bull Point and Morte Point have a climb ahead of them

View back to Morte Point after another ascent

Seals near Morte Point

Woolacombe Bay 

After four hours of rough hiking in inspiring scenery with few other people around, the day-trippers and surfing crowd on a Sunday in Woolacombe felt unbearable. It was a relief to leave the town and walk away over two miles of firm golden sand.

View from the north towards Woolacombe

From the south end of Woolacombe-Putsborough beach

Lucky Christine! - the seat and the view of Woolacombe Bay

Baggy Point

Croyde Bay

Watching the breakers from a safe distance over a pint of beer, it was easy to see why surfers come to this coast.

Croyde Bay. John Sykes was here, 27 April 2024